Issue 15
Risk
Wayne Scheer
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The Railroad Crossing
Charles saw the flashing red warning lights of the railroad crossing and
instinctively took his foot off the gas pedal of his Toyota Camry.
He saw no train. The road before him and behind him appeared empty.
He recalled a comment made by a friend from Scotland. "Americans are the
only people who, on a deserted road at midnight, would stop for a red
light." He remembered the words of Fran, his ex-wife. "I fell in love with
you because you were safe, but I fell out of love with you for the same
reason."
Charles opened his windows and heard nothing but the chirping of cicadas.
He calculated it would take only a second or two to cross the tracks. Even
if a train appeared in the distance, he'd have plenty of time to cross over to safety.
The road before him and behind him remained empty. He tightened his seat
belt.
Reacting to the moment, Charles brought his Camry to a complete stop, as he
knew he would.
~Wayne Scheer
Wayne Scheer has published flash stories in The Phone Book, flashquake,
Inkburns, and Insolent Rudder. In 2002 he was nominated for a
Pushcart Prize. Email.
© 2004 by Wayne Scheer. All Rights Reserved.
© Copyright 2004 by Cayuse Press. All Rights Reserved.